The moment my son turned two I have started teaching the alphabet to him. I found him interested in learning it. Maybe one of the factors is that when he was baby, I always sing the ABC song as one of the lullabies to put him to sleep.
I have done a small research on how I can help him recognize the letters — no pressure at all as I want him to learn yet still fun as if we are playing.
Today, I have listed some resources I use to teach Brycen the alphabet.
I use several materials and try to find at least a cheap one. I found that even these kind of learning materials for kids are costly here in Dubai.
Puzzle fun I saw this foam type puzzle in Al Karama just right down the metro station. So cool that they only cost AED 3.00 each. I took both small and capital letters. Brycen enjoys playing them from time to time.
ABC Fridge Magnet – I keep this where he can easily reach. He is playing it every time, he picks up the letter and will confirm to me that letter.
ABC Magnet
Book – this colorful hardbound books was a gift since his first birthday. I always put it beside Brycen’s reach. We browse them from time to time
Tablet – yes I allow him to watch on YouTube using his tablet. He sings along with the nursery rhyme song, he dances, he follows them. I think he became a visual learner.
Learning alphabet should be fun. You don’t need to rush your child. For me, I thought that Brycen was ready to learn so I took the plunge of introducing him to the letters.
Do not base it on your child’s age as every person is different. Same with kids, let your child enjoy, go with the flow of his childhood.
Tell the letters slowly, could be one letter each day and see what is his reaction.
Conclusion
I think repetition is the key, give at least 5 – 10 min if your child looks really interested then give more time. Every child passes on different development. You may try to use the learning materials I have used with my son.